§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will consider as a matter of urgency measures to reduce the nuisance caused by uncontrolled dogs in public places, and in particular to reduce the incidence of toxocariasis; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI have been asked to reply.
General responsibility for dealing with stray dogs rests with the police. Local authorities have power to make byelaws to deal with the fouling of footways by dogs, and to control dogs in parks, recreation grounds and open spaces.
I set up in July 1974 an inter-departmental working party on dogs which has now reported to me. The issues with which the report deals include the control of dogs and risks to human health, and I am studying them in full awareness of the widespread public concern about these matters.